Latest news from Wolvercote Neighbourhood Forum

Our role includes providing financial support for community projects from the ‘Community Infrastructure Levy’ (CIL) paid by developers. In our Spring 2023 funding round we were delighted to support seven local projects, ranging from a new ‘Festival’ public bench on Wolvercote Green to improvements to the Wolvercote Young People’s Club building. Our next application deadlines are 18 September, and in April 2024.

At our public General Meeting on 7 June, there was much interest in the huge ‘Water Eaton’ housing development planned for fields north of Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park. It will reduce dramatically the green gap between Oxford and Kidlington. We discussed the concerns we have expressed to Cherwell District Council. The meeting also heard the latest about Oxford North; now producing a stream of planning applications for the many buildings, roads and other features of this large development, taking shape on our northern perimeter.

Another hot topic at present is the problem faced by Oxford United Football Club, who will lose the Kassam stadium in 2026. They propose building a new 18,000 seater stadium on a plot across the Banbury Road from Oxford Parkway. We strongly support the club in seeking a good replacement stadium, but we have big worries about that location. It is too small to accommodate car parking for spectators, and therefore threatens to overwhelm the nearby Park and Ride. We have conveyed concerns to the County Council.

If you have opinions on any of these, email us at: wolvercotenf@gmail.com. Our aim is to represent the community’s views. The next public meeting will be our AGM on 7 November at 7.30pm, at Wolvercote Village Hall. Do come along and take part. Please consider joining our Steering Committee to help in supporting the local community. For further information see www.wolvercotenf.org.uk

Good news for the people of Wolvercote. We have a brand new building belonging to our local community!

As part of the planning agreement for the old paper mill, CALA Homes were obliged to provide Wolvercote with a ‘community facility’. So they have handed over their former sales office, a bright, two-story building and courtyard garden situated at the entrance to the new development, just beside the White Hart pub.

How will the building be managed? After conducting a survey of 300 households and holding a series of public meetings and workshops, a working group evolved, composed of residents of Wolvercote Mill and the surrounding area. The group has now formed a Charitable Community Benefit Society (CBS) to take ownership of the building. The building is safeguarded for the community in perpetuity. Moreover, the organisation is democratic and accountable and welcomes any resident of Wolvercote to join the group and vote at the AGM or stand as a member of the steering group.

We’ll be opening up this September, offering affordable room hire for events and parties, a pop-up cafe, co-working, group meet-ups and more. The vision is to provide a vibrant, flexible space that welcomes, connects and nurtures everyone in our community, whoever you are, whatever your interests.

If you are interested in getting involved, booking a room or just want to find out more, visit:

www.thewolvercotemill.org
or email info@thewolvercotemill.org